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RIVER BEND EDUCATION DISTRICT Technology Plan February 2012

Covering July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2015

River Bend Education District February, 2012 District Technology Plan

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Table Of Contents Planning and Needs Assessment Organization Leadership and Technology Planning Committee 3 Demographics of School District 3 Needs Assessment 5 Vision, Objectives and Strategies for Technology Mission/Vision Statement 6 Beliefs 6 Guiding Principles 6 Policies and Procedures 9 Technology Infrastructure, Management, and Support 11 Role of School Media Center/Library 12 Staff Development and Training 13 Budget for Technology 14

Evaluation Plan 16 Appendix A 17 Appendix B 19


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I. Planning and Needs Assessment

1. Organization Leadership and Technology Planning Committee

The primary technology decision makers at River Bend Education District are the Director, Technology Coordinator, ALC Coordinator, and TEAM/Imprints Coordinator. The River Bend Education District Technology Planning Committee has helped develop and recommend the Information Technology Plan. The committee currently consists of administrators, a board member, and the district Technology Coordinator. The current members are listed below: Paul Weikle River Bend Board Member Erin Toninato Director River Bend Education District Rashelle Weicherding District Technology Coordinator Doug Hazen TEAM/Imprints Coordinator Chris Bodick River Bend Alternative Program Coordinator

2. Demographics of School District/Public Library System/Public Library

River Bend Education District is located in New Ulm, Minnesota. As an Education District, River Bend provides education services to seven member school districts and three charter schools: Butterfield-Odin, GFW, Green Isle Community School, Lafayette Charter School, Madelia, MN New Country School, New Ulm, St. James, Sibley East, and Sleepy Eye. In addition, the Education District offers a TEAM program, Imprints program and an Alternative program on site. River Bend Education District serves approximately 1121 identified special education students ages birth to 22 (as of 12/1/11), 40-45 TEAM/Imprints students (2011 enrollment figures), and 946 students through the Alternative Learning Center programs (10-11 enrollment figures). Assistive technology has been planned for and made available to our member districts. This is in large part the result of a full time Assistive Technology staff position who serves the Education District. Due to the five county span of the Education District, communication is a challenge. All itinerant staff are issued a laptop computer to assist in making work on the road more manageable and personal wireless adapters are available to check out where wireless networking is unavailable. Additional communication challenges exist as a result of River Bend’s collaborations and partnerships. Use of webmail based email and phone service has ensured ongoing communication. Greater Minnesota, where the River Bend ALC School Mental Health Counselors are based, uses a web-based reporting system to sustain communication and collaboration. Three Counties For Kids


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Collaborative, Brown County Families First Collaborative, Watonwan County Visions for Families Collaborative, and Sibley County Children’s Collaborative maintain communication through the use of email and phone. River Bend is also a communication line between SpEd forms and all seven member school districts. The importance of phone connection, email, and Internet connection is very important to stay in contact and up-to-date with updates. As a member of Project SOCRATES, River Bend Education District is provided with an Internet Connectivity Package that includes fiber optic cable with 10 mb, technical assistance and training, and access to regional ITV services. Participation in this collaborative allows River Bend Education District to gain large group discounts on the above mentioned services and resources, as well as to benefit from the expertise of the SOCRATES staff in writing and receiving E-Rate discounts, and other grants that support our collaborative mission. In addition, the experience of Project SOCRATES staff in researching and writing the collaborative’s competitive bid for Internet Services maximizes River Bend’s abilities to acquire the most cost effective services in the most time efficient manner.


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3. Needs Assessment A survey was used to collect data for the needs assessment. It consisted of 1 question that was broken into 12 parts that were answered on a five-point scale from very weak to very strong. These questions were intended to gather quantifiable data. In addition, there were three open-ended questions used to solicit qualitative responses. River Bend Education District staff completed the survey, with 59% participating.

The critical components of the Needs Assessment centered on the amount of tech tools for both students and staff, quality and quantity of staff development, personal skills and growth, and competency on a variety of hardware components and software. The Needs Assessment provided the committee with excellent data for technology decision-making.

The Needs Assessment also included three open-ended questions that asked for qualitative responses. The questions focused on user competency and centered on what the respondent would like to learn and what technology needs need to be met in the future. Based on the responses, the technology committee devised an action plan. See Appendix A for a copy of the Needs Assessment

Based on responses to the Needs Assessment and Technology Committee discussion, it has been decided that priorities for the next three years are to include in order of importance,

• Continue 3 year computer replacement schedule • Purchase software licenses to maintain compliance • Upgrade software where needed • Provide Staff Development opportunities • Purchase and/or Upgrade Mac Servers • Investigate possible building upgrade and the implications on the

network infrastructure. • Investigate and Purchase additional Meraki wireless routers • Investigate Technology Grant Opportunities • Investigate uses of iPads in the classroom • Investigate use of iPads as text books • Evaluate use of offsite option for server back-up with New Ulm

Telecom • Evaluate use of offsite email server with Hickory Tech • Purchase additional projector for new SmartBoard • Investigate Google for Education


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II. Vision, Goals, Objectives and Strategies for Technology

1. Mission/Vision Statement All students and staff will be actively engaged in meaningful activities in a technology-rich environment that enhances learning, communication and productivity.

2. Goals • We believe that technology is a catalyst for learning • We believe that all students and teachers need to have technology skills to

be successful in the 21st century. • We believe that technology should be integrated in the curriculum • We believe that change is inevitable • We believe that risk is better than inaction • We believe that learning never ends • We believe that “school” and/or “work” has no physical boundaries • We believe that productivity and efficiency are enhanced by the

appropriate use of technology • We believe that information management is a critical skill for all

3. Objectives and Strategies for Technology Knowing that some issues and solutions are obvious while others are obscure, the Technology Committee established the following guiding principles to aide in decision-making: • Maximize information sharing and communication • Contribute to the primary mission of student learning • Ensure security and confidentiality • Implement hardware, software, training, user support, connectivity,

maintenance and updates • Ask, “Is technology the best solution?” • Make computer use as ubiquitous as pencil and paper • Staff has an obligation for growth in technology skills . . . the district has

an obligation to support • Emphasize integration of technology over the study of technology • Informed, participatory citizens make a better community At all three programs; River Bend ALC, TEAM and Imprints, staff are using two pieces of technology that will directly aide students in meeting Minnesota’s Academic Standards. Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment remediation tool and online curriculum through Odysseyware are used to supplement and enhance the curriculum. Both of these programs are directly correlated to Minnesota Academic Standards.


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Courses are offered at River Bend Education District via Interactive Television. Staff have accessed courses from nearby sources and from colleges and universities in the state such as Lessons from the Field. The River Bend Assistant Director offers Special Education trainings to the districts via ITV. The River Bend staff is also utilizing the use of web-ex and Go to Meeting via their computers to meet training needs. At present, River Bend ALC has a mobile lab of laptop computers for student use. These computers are networked and allow access to the Internet and local student storage. With restrictions on physical space, the laptops have allowed increased access to computers for students. The ALC also contains 2 computer labs. One lab consists of 20 student computers and 1 staff computer with projector for demonstration. This lab is used for teachers to bring in a class to work on projects and for the technology classes that are offered. The second lab consists of 10 student computers used mainly for independent study classes as well as night school. River Bend ALC has a mobile cart of Apple iPads for student use in the mid-level (Grades 7-9) The TEAM and Imprints program have a computer lab consisting of 10 student computers and a mobile lab of laptop computers that have internet and local storage access, as well as access to printers. All itinerant staff have laptop computers allowing them to work from any of their remote locations. Many of our member schools have accommodated by allowing access to their networks. The districts that do not have wireless access for the itinerant staff may check out a personal, portable wireless hub to gain Internet access. These laptops have allowed staff to spend more time working with students and less time in the office at River Bend working on paperwork. Data-driven decision-making is possible at River Bend Education District in large part due to the availability of computer applications that make the tasks easier for staff. FileMaker Pro is used extensively for data collection and review. To display data for financial decision-making the business office utilizes Excel. The TEAM and Imprints programs also enlists Excel for recording daily behavior point sheets for students. Infinite Campus is used as the student management software to collect student data such as attendance and grades. All three programs; ALC, TEAM, and Imprints use this information. In addition, SpEd Forms is used to collect, store and analyze student special education information. River Bend ALC, TEAM, and Imprints programs are utilizing Odysseyware, which is an online-based curriculum. The programs are using Odysseyware as a way to offer more elective course, for independent study, to aid in credit recovery and teachers make use of supplemental material to add to their traditional classroom curriculum. Itinerant staff is also substituting some travel time with the use of Skype to meet with students. This is a new form of communication that staff and students are testing as an effective and meaningful form of communication.


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River Bend ALC, TEAM, and Imprints programs are using the available technology to participate in the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments that are based online. The ALC also partakes in the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Exam, ASVAB, which is an online test that assesses career interests and aptitudes as well as predicting future academic and occupation success in the military. Communication with parents is an ongoing process at River Bend Education District. This process is aided by the use of the telephone, email, and FAX. In addition, as of 1-1-2007, River Bend ALC has opened its Parent Portal for parents to view student attendance and grades online. ITV also plays a large role in communication between TEAM/Imprints staff and parents from other communities who are able to use the technology in place of travel for face-to-face meetings. Itinerant staff has been testing the effectiveness of using Skype as a form of communication between parents and students. For people seeking information about River Bend Education District, a webpage was created that outlines programs, identifies staff, informs of upcoming workshops, and offers contact information.


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III. Policies and Procedures River Bend Education District has policies that govern Equitable Access for Students and Staff. They are Board policy 521 for students and Board policy 402 for staff. Both policies can be found in Appendix B of this plan. The main point of both is that students and staff will not face discrimination based on disability. River Bend Education District has an Electronic Information Policy covering acceptable use. All students are required to read and return an Internet Information Form, signed by a parent in order to gain access to the computer network. The policy covers all aspects of User and Parent Responsibility, User Notification, and River Bend Education District’s Electronic Information Resources Agreement. In addition, students are required to return a signed copy of the Permission to Publish Agreement. This document outlines the types of materials a student is permitted to publish via website, and requires signed parental permission. These policies are the same for each of the three programs; ALC, TEAM, and Imprints. All of these policies can be found in Appendix B of this plan. All computers equipped with Internet access and available for student use at each school site will be equipped to restrict, by use of available software filtering technology or other effective methods, all student access to materials that are reasonably believed to be obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors under state of federal law. All School District computers with Internet access, not just those accessible and available to students, will be equipped to restrict, by use of available software filtering technology or other effective methods, adult access to materials that are reasonably believed to be obscene or child pornography under state or federal law. All River Bend Education District policies are accessible to anyone upon request in the main office. Board meeting agendas are posted throughout the building, and a synopsis of meeting minutes is published in the local newspaper and the district website after each meeting. This is all in an effort to keep all interested parties apprised of current policy.

At this time the River Bend Education District web site has not been tested for ADA compliance, but plans are in place to update the page and work towards ADA compliance. Currently River Bend Education District maintains a firewall that protects the network from outside intrusion. All sensitive materials are password protected on the users machines and servers. Special Education paper work that is accessed via the web is encrypted by the use of an SSL certificate and password protected. All data is backed up daily to an offsite server through New Ulm Telecom services. A report is sent via email to the technology coordinator upon


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completion of the backup to ensure success. The backup properties are accessible and maintained from the River Bend Education District Server.


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IV. Technology Infrastructure, Management, and Support

River Bend Education District employs a full time Technology Coordinator to manage the computer and network infrastructure. This position is provided with training opportunities through SOCRATES and workshops in the area. River Bend Education District employs an Assistive Technology Specialist whose primary function is to work with students with disabilities. Assistive Technology is purchased based on student needs and available infrastructure to support the technology, with the mission of aiding/assisting the disabled learner.

The basic technology infrastructure consists of a building wide network wired with CAT 5, 5 Cisco 2950 Catalyst Switches (10/100/1000 Base T), a WatchGuard FireboxX Firewall, and CISCO 1800 Router connected to fiber optic cable with 10Mb internet connections provided by Hickory Tech: Project SOCRATES Support. At this time the River Bend building is at capacity for both staff and students. Many classrooms have only one network drop, but with the use of wireless technology this has not presented a problem. Space is the limiting factor in deploying more computers for student use. Mobile labs at TEAM/Imprints and the ALC have greatly helped, but the ALC mobile lab is quickly becoming outdated. River Bend Education District is 95% Macintosh with 166 Mac computers in classrooms, offices, and computer labs. PC’s are mainly used in our business office and as servers with 8 on site. On site River Bend Education District also has 47 Apple iPads. Our onsite student to computer ratio is 1.8:1 at the ALC and 1.3:1 at the TEAM/Imprints programs. Each staff member has his/her own computer and 2 staff members have 2 computers. All computers are connected to the Internet. The average age of computer equipment is 4.8 years. A replacement is in place with a three year target replacement schedule. Beyond this, scheduled replacement needs to be staggered to accommodate each area’s budget.


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VI. Role of School Media Center/Library and Public Library System or Public Library

River Bend Education district has implemented Alexandria Library Software for the ALC Program and have began a library initiative. The role of the library is to allow access to check out books for ALC Students. The library initiative was put into place in order to get books into the hands of the students to increase the amount of time students are reading. With an increase in student reading, the desire is therefore to increase student scores on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment Exams. The New Ulm Public Library is available to staff and students who possess a library card.


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VI. Staff Development and Training

River Bend Education District, in serving three separate functions, has needed to separate staff development along the same lines. The River Bend staff development plan for technology has operated on an “on demand” basis in the past. As new applications and technology are added, staff is inserviced on the changes. Beyond this, as individual staff need training on specific applications and technology, the Technology Coordinator conducts one-on-one training. This same approach has been used with the ALC and TEAM/Imprints Program, with the addition of scheduled inservice directed at applications and technology that may be useful in the classroom for students. The staff then integrates this technology into the curriculum. To facilitate that end the Technology Coordinator is available to work with teachers in the classroom on projects that integrate technology. One definite staff development challenge facing the River Bend staff is its offsite time outweighs its onsite time at work. This logistical problem is somewhat resolved by holding departmental training in lieu of being able to gather the entire staff. The response from the Technology Survey suggests there is a need for more inservice training. The specific areas that were asked to be covered include, Inspiration, excel, Photoshop Elements, Skype, Smart Board, digital still and video cameras and how to integrate into a project, email, i-Pads. The Technology Coordinator will work toward offering training opportunities in the some of these areas, and provide access and assistance for interested staff in seeking outside training opportunities through resources such as SOCRATES, Apple Training, and TIES, as well as other opportunities that come available. Training will be delivered in four different ways. Staff inservice will provide training on system wide changes. Scheduled training will be offered on specific applications, targeting specific needs. The scheduled trainings will be offered once a month during the school year. Offsite trainings will be posted and made accessible. In addition, individual and small group training on equipment and applications will be available upon request.


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VI. Budget for Technology

FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015 UFARS OBJECT

CODE CATEGORY ITEM(S) DESCRIPTION

BUDGET BUDGET BUDGET BUDGET

100

Salaries and Wages for Technology Staff

Technology Coordinator Based on 78% Tech Coordinator 22% Teaching

$37, 760 $38,892 $40,059 $41,261

200

Fringe Benefits for Technology Staff

Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Social Security, PERA, Medicare, Veba, FLEX, Long Term Disability, Workers Comp

$12,238 $12,693 $13,201 $13,729

300 Purchased Technology Services

Consultant Services

Webhosting with Edline and SharpSchool, Computer Technology Solutions (CTS)

$2,049 $3,300 $1,800 $1,800

Communications (telephone, Internet access)

PROJECT SOCRATES, MiFi, Phone

$16,950 $18,500 $18,500 $18,500

Computer and System Services

Region V (SMART Systems)

$5,206 $5,426 $5,500 $5,500

Technology Coordinator

Technology Staff Development

$500 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000

Technology Workshops and Conferences

All Staff $4,000 $4,500 $4,500 $4,500

Technology Leases and Rentals

None $0 $0 $0 $0

Purchased Technology Services (i.e., maintenance)

Computer Technology Solutions (Repairs), Offsite Backup with NUTelecom, FireBox Maintenance, Norton AntiVirus Maintenance, Applecare

$3,500 $4,000 $4,500 $4,000

This total reflects Tech time only


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400

Supplies and Materials (computer software, etc. both instructional and non-instructional)

Windows Server 2005, SSL, Microsoft Office Apps, Email Filtering, iPad Apps, iPads

$8,933 $5,275 $4,775 $3,000

500

Capital Expenditures (technology equipment)

Servers, Computers, Printers, Peripherals

$48,000 $35,000 $36,000 $33,000

820

Subscriptions and Licenses

Firewall Firebox UTM Suite (1yr), Odysseyware, Campus, JMC, Online Software Subscriptions for SpEd

$28,504 $30,000 $35,000 $35,000

TOTALS $167,640 $158,586 $164,835 $161,290


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VII. Evaluation Plan The River Bend Education District Technology Committee will be restructured to include teachers from each of the three programs; ALC, TEAM, and Imprints. The committee will also include persons from the itinerant staff. The diversity of the group will ensure that all parts of the technology plan are being met. A minimum of two surveys will be given each year to address staff concerns and a needs assessment in both technology and the proper implementation of that technology. A survey will be given at the start of the school year in order to assess the level of staff preparedness with technology already in place and any new programs or technology that were added. A final survey will be given towards the end of the school year to assess professional development of technology as well as to gather ideas for future. The technology coordinator will collect the information and present the findings to the technology committee. The technology committee will gather as a group to discuss the needs assessment surveys and evaluate the implementation of the technology plan.


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Appendix A

RBED Technology Survey

1. In which department do you work?

2. The questions in this section ask about specific technologies you may use and your level of proficiency at using those technologies. Please indicate whether you would like more information on a certain technology or what you would like to learn how to do.

Very Weak

Moderately Weak

Adequate Moderately Strong

Very Strong N/A

Word Processing Power Point Inspiration Spreadsheets (Excel) Photoshop Elements Email Communications Internet Search Engines (i.e. google)

Skype SmartBoard Digital Cameras (Still) Digital Video Cameras Other Technologies

3. What day would you prefer to have short technology in-services?

a. Monday b. Tuesday c. Wednesday d. Thursday e. Friday


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4. What time would you prefer the technology in-service take place? a. 7:30 am – 8:00 am b. 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm c. Other, please specify

5. Please list any additional comments you have about technologies available for

RBED.

6. Is there any software/programs that you think would benefit the RBED staff and students in the future?

7. Is there any technology equipment that you think would benefit the RBED

staff and students in the future?


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Appendix B Adopted: 6/19/12 MSBA/MASA Model Policy 524

Orig. 1996 Revised: Rev. 2007 524 INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE AND SAFETY POLICY

[Note: School districts are required by statute to have a policy addressing these issues.] I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to set forth policies and guidelines for access to the school district computer system and acceptable and safe use of the Internet, including electronic communications.

II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

In making decisions regarding student and employee access to the school district computer system and the Internet, including electronic communications, the school district considers its own stated educational mission, goals, and objectives. Electronic information research skills are now fundamental to preparation of citizens and future employees. Access to the school district computer system and to the Internet enables students and employees to explore thousands of libraries, databases, bulletin boards, and other resources while exchanging messages with people around the world. The school district expects that faculty will blend thoughtful use of the school district computer system and the Internet throughout the curriculum and will provide guidance and instruction to students in their use.

III. LIMITED EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE

The school district is providing students and employees with access to the school district computer system, which includes Internet access. The purpose of the system is more specific than providing students and employees with general access to the Internet. The school district system has a limited educational purpose, which includes use of the system for classroom activities, educational research, and professional or career development activities. Users are expected to use Internet access through the district system to further educational and personal goals consistent with the mission of the school district and school policies. Uses which might be acceptable on a user’s private personal account on another system may not be acceptable on this limited-purpose network.

IV. USE OF SYSTEM IS A PRIVILEGE

The use of the school district system and access to use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right. Depending on the nature and degree of the violation and the number of previous violations, unacceptable use of the school district system or the Internet may result in one


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or more of the following consequences: suspension or cancellation of use or access privileges; payments for damages and repairs; discipline under other appropriate school district policies, including suspension, expulsion, exclusion, or termination of employment; or civil or criminal liability under other applicable laws.

V. UNACCEPTABLE USES

A. The following uses of the school district system and Internet resources or accounts are considered unacceptable:

1. Users will not use the school district system to access, review, upload,

download, store, print, post, receive, transmit, or distribute:

a. pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit material or other visual depictions that are harmful to minors;

b. obscene, abusive, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory,

threatening, disrespectful, or sexually explicit language;

c. materials that use language or images that are inappropriate in the education setting or disruptive to the educational process;

d. information or materials that could cause damage or danger of

disruption to the educational process;

e. materials that use language or images that advocate violence or discrimination toward other people (hate literature) or that may constitute harassment or discrimination.

2. Users will not use the school district system to knowingly or recklessly

post, transmit, or distribute false or defamatory information about a person or organization, or to harass another person, or to engage in personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks.

3. Users will not use the school district system to engage in any illegal act or

violate any local, state, or federal statute or law.

4. Users will not use the school district system to vandalize, damage, or disable the property of another person or organization, will not make deliberate attempts to degrade or disrupt equipment, software, or system performance by spreading computer viruses or by any other means, will not tamper with, modify, or change the school district system software, hardware, or wiring or take any action to violate the school district’s security system, and will not use the school district system in such a way as to disrupt the use of the system by other users.

5. Users will not use the school district system to gain unauthorized access to

information resources or to access another person’s materials, information,


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or files without the implied or direct permission of that person.

6. Users will not use the school district system to post private information about another person, personal contact information about themselves or other persons, or other personally identifiable information, including, but not limited to, addresses, telephone numbers, school addresses, work addresses, identification numbers, account numbers, access codes or passwords, labeled photographs, or other information that would make the individual’s identity easily traceable, and will not repost a message that was sent to the user privately without permission of the person who sent the message. [Note: School districts should consider the impact of this paragraph on present practices and procedures, including, but not limited to, practices pertaining to employee communications, school or classroom websites, and student/employee use of social networking websites. Depending upon school district policies and practices, school districts may wish to add one or more of the following clarifying paragraphs.]

a. This paragraph does not prohibit the posting of employee contact

information on school district webpages or communications between employees and other individuals when such communications are made for education-related purposes (i.e., communications with parents or other staff members related to students).

b. Employees creating or posting school-related webpages may

include personal contact information about themselves on a webpage. However, employees may not post personal contact information or other personally identifiable information about students unless:

(1) such information is classified by the school district as

directory information and verification is made that the school district has not received notice from a parent/guardian or eligible student that such information is not to be designated as directory information in accordance with Policy 515; or

(2) such information is not classified by the school district as

directory information but written consent for release of the information to be posted has been obtained from a parent/guardian or eligible student in accordance with Policy 515.

In addition, prior to posting any personal contact or personally identifiable information on a school-related webpage, employees shall obtain written approval of the content of the postings from the building administrator.


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c. These prohibitions specifically prohibit a user from utilizing the

school district system to post personal information about a user or another individual on social networks, including, but not limited to, social networks such as “MySpace” and “Facebook.”

7. Users must keep all account information and passwords on file with the

designated school district official. Users will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to the school district system or any other system through the school district system, attempt to log in through another person’s account, or use computer accounts, access codes, or network identification other than those assigned to the user. Messages and records on the school district system may not be encrypted without the permission of appropriate school authorities.

8. Users will not use the school district system to violate copyright laws or

usage licensing agreements, or otherwise to use another person’s property without the person’s prior approval or proper citation, including the downloading or exchanging of pirated software or copying software to or from any school computer, and will not plagiarize works they find on the Internet.

9. Users will not use the school district system for conducting business, for

unauthorized commercial purposes, or for financial gain unrelated to the mission of the school district. Users will not use the school district system to offer or provide goods or services or for product advertisement. Users will not use the school district system to purchase goods or services for personal use without authorization from the appropriate school district official.

B. A student or employee engaging in the foregoing unacceptable uses of the Internet

when off school district premises also may be in violation of this policy as well as other school district policies. Examples of such violations include, but are not limited to, situations where the school district system is compromised or if a school district employee or student is negatively impacted. If the school district receives a report of an unacceptable use originating from a non-school computer or resource, the school district may investigate such reports to the best of its ability. Students or employees may be subject to disciplinary action for such conduct, including, but not limited to, suspension or cancellation of the use or access to the school district computer system and the Internet and discipline under other appropriate school district policies, including suspension, expulsion, exclusion, or termination of employment.

C. If a user inadvertently accesses unacceptable materials or an unacceptable Internet

site, the user shall immediately disclose the inadvertent access to an appropriate school district official. In the case of a school district employee, the immediate disclosure shall be to the employee’s immediate supervisor and/or the building administrator. This disclosure may serve as a defense against an allegation that


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the user has intentionally violated this policy. In certain rare instances, a user also may access otherwise unacceptable materials if necessary to complete an assignment and if done with the prior approval of and with appropriate guidance from the appropriate teacher or, in the case of a school district employee, the building administrator.

VI. FILTER [Note: Pursuant to state law, school districts are required to restrict access to inappropriate materials on school computers with Internet access. School districts which seek technology revenue pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 125B.26 or certain federal funding, such as e-rate discounts, for purposes of Internet access and connection services and/or receive funds to purchase Internet accessible computers are subject to the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act, effective in 2001. Those districts are required to comply with additional standards in restricting possible access to inappropriate materials. Therefore, school districts should select one of the following alternative sections depending upon whether the school district is seeking such funding and the type of funding sought.]

ALTERNATIVE NO. 1 For a school district which does not seek either state or federal funding in connection with its computer system, the following language should be adopted. It reflects a mandatory requirement under state law, Minn. Stat. §125B.15. All computers equipped with Internet access and available for student use at each school site will be equipped to restrict, by use of available software filtering technology or other effective methods, all student access to materials that are reasonably believed to be obscene, child pornography or harmful to minors under state or federal law. [Note: The purchase of filtering technology is not required by state law if the school site would incur more than incidental expense in making the purchase. In the absence of filtering technology, school sites still are required to use “other effective methods” to restrict student access to such materials.]

ALTERNATIVE NO. 2 Technology revenue is available to school districts that meet the additional condition of also restricting adult access to inappropriate materials. School districts that seek such state technology revenue may adopt or retain the following language. However, the school district is not required to do so.

A. All school district computers with Internet access and available for student use will be equipped to restrict, by use of available software filtering technology or other effective methods, all student access to materials that are reasonably believed to be obscene, child pornography or harmful to minors under state or federal law.

B. All school district computers with Internet access, not just those accessible and


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available to students, will be equipped to restrict, by use of available software filtering technology or other effective methods, adult access to materials that are reasonably believed to be obscene or child pornography under state or federal law.

ALTERNATIVE NO. 3

School districts which receive certain federal funding, such as e-rate discounts, for purposes of Internet access and connection services and/or receive funds to purchase Internet accessible computers are subject to the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act, effective in 2001. This law requires school districts to adopt an Internet safety policy which contains the provisions set forth below. Also, the Act requires such school districts to provide reasonable notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address the proposed Internet safety policy prior to its implementation. School districts that do not seek such federal financial assistance need not adopt the alternative language set forth below nor meet the requirements with respect to a public meeting to review the policy. The following alternative language for school districts that seek such federal financial assistance satisfies both state and federal law requirements.

A. With respect to any of its computers with Internet access, the school district will monitor the online activities of minors and employ technology protection measures during any use of such computers by minors and adults. The technology protection measures utilized will block or filter Internet access to any visual depictions that are:

1. Obscene;

2. Child pornography; or

3. Harmful to minors.

B. The term “harmful to minors” means any picture, image, graphic image file, or

other visual depiction that:

1. Taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion; or

2. Depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect

to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and

3. Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific

value as to minors.

C. An administrator, supervisor, or other person authorized by the Superintendent may disable the technology protection measure, during use by an adult, to enable access for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.


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[Note: Although school districts are not required to adopt the more restrictive provisions contained in either Alternative No. 2 or No. 3 if they do not seek state or federal funding, they may choose to adopt the more restrictive provisions as a matter of school policy.] VII. CONSISTENCY WITH OTHER SCHOOL POLICIES

Use of the school district computer system and use of the Internet shall be consistent with school district policies and the mission of the school district.

VIII. LIMITED EXPECTATION OF PRIVACY

A. By authorizing use of the school district system, the school district does not relinquish control over materials on the system or contained in files on the system. Users should expect only limited privacy in the contents of personal files on the school district system.

B. Routine maintenance and monitoring of the school district system may lead to a

discovery that a user has violated this policy, another school district policy, or the law.

C. An individual investigation or search will be conducted if school authorities have

a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover a violation of law or school district policy.

D. Parents have the right at any time to investigate or review the contents of their

child’s files and e-mail files. Parents have the right to request the termination of their child’s individual account at any time.

E. School district employees should be aware that the school district retains the right

at any time to investigate or review the contents of their files and e-mail files. In addition, school district employees should be aware that data and other materials in files maintained on the school district system may be subject to review, disclosure or discovery under Minn. Stat. Ch. 13 (the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act).

F. The school district will cooperate fully with local, state and federal authorities in

any investigation concerning or related to any illegal activities or activities not in compliance with school district policies conducted through the school district system.

IX. INTERNET USE AGREEMENT

A. The proper use of the Internet, and the educational value to be gained from proper Internet use, is the joint responsibility of students, parents, and employees of the school district.

B. This policy requires the permission of and supervision by the school’s designated


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professional staff before a student may use a school account or resource to access the Internet.

C. The Internet Use Agreement form for students must be read and signed by the

user, the parent or guardian, and the supervising teacher. The Internet Use Agreement form for employees must be signed by the employee. The form must then be filed at the school office. As supervising teachers change, the agreement signed by the new teacher shall be attached to the original agreement.

X. LIMITATION ON SCHOOL DISTRICT LIABILITY

Use of the school district system is at the user’s own risk. The system is provided on an “as is, as available” basis. The school district will not be responsible for any damage users may suffer, including, but not limited to, loss, damage, or unavailability of data stored on school district diskettes, tapes, hard drives, or servers, or for delays or changes in or interruptions of service or misdeliveries or nondeliveries of information or materials, regardless of the cause. The school district is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of any advice or information obtained through or stored on the school district system. The school district will not be responsible for financial obligations arising through unauthorized use of the school district system or the Internet.

XI. USER NOTIFICATION

A. All users shall be notified of the school district policies relating to Internet use.

B. This notification shall include the following:

1. Notification that Internet use is subject to compliance with school district policies.

2. Disclaimers limiting the school district’s liability relative to:

a. Information stored on school district diskettes, hard drives, or

servers.

b. Information retrieved through school district computers, networks, or online resources.

c. Personal property used to access school district computers,

networks, or online resources.

d. Unauthorized financial obligations resulting from use of school district resources/accounts to access the Internet.

3. A description of the privacy rights and limitations of school

sponsored/managed Internet accounts.

4. Notification that, even though the school district may use technical means


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to limit student Internet access, these limits do not provide a foolproof means for enforcing the provisions of this acceptable use policy.

5. Notification that goods and services can be purchased over the Internet

that could potentially result in unwanted financial obligations and that any financial obligation incurred by a student through the Internet is the sole responsibility of the student and/or the student’s parents.

6. Notification that the collection, creation, reception, maintenance, and

dissemination of data via the Internet, including electronic communications, is governed by Policy 406, Public and Private Personnel Data, and Policy 515, Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records.

7. Notification that, should the user violate the school district’s acceptable

use policy, the user’s access privileges may be revoked, school disciplinary action may be taken and/or appropriate legal action may be taken.

8. Notification that all provisions of the acceptable use policy are subordinate

to local, state, and federal laws. XII. PARENTS’ RESPONSIBILITY; NOTIFICATION OF STUDENT INTERNET

USE

A. Outside of school, parents bear responsibility for the same guidance of Internet use as they exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, radio, movies, and other possibly offensive media. Parents are responsible for monitoring their student’s use of the school district system and of the Internet if the student is accessing the school district system from home or a remote location.

B. Parents will be notified that their students will be using school district

resources/accounts to access the Internet and that the school district will provide parents the option to request alternative activities not requiring Internet access. This notification should include:

1. A copy of the user notification form provided to the student user.

2. A description of parent/guardian responsibilities.

3. A notification that the parents have the option to request alternative

educational activities not requiring Internet access and the material to exercise this option.

4. A statement that the Internet Use Agreement must be signed by the user,

the parent or guardian, and the supervising teacher prior to use by the student.

5. A statement that the school district’s acceptable use policy is available for


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parental review. XIII. IMPLEMENTATION; POLICY REVIEW

A. The school district administration may develop appropriate user notification forms, guidelines, and procedures necessary to implement this policy for submission to the school board for approval. Upon approval by the school board, such guidelines, forms, and procedures shall be an addendum to this policy.

B. The administration shall revise the user notifications, including student and parent

notifications, if necessary, to reflect the adoption of these guidelines and procedures.

C. The school district Internet policies and procedures are available for review by all

parents, guardians, staff, and members of the community.

D. Because of the rapid changes in the development of the Internet, the school board shall conduct an annual review of this policy.

Legal References: 15 U.S.C. § 6501 et seq. (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act)

17 U.S.C. § 101 et seq. (Copyrights) 20 U.S.C. § 6751 et seq. (Enhancing Education through Technology Act of 2001) 47 U.S.C. § 254 (Children’s Internet Protection Act of 2000 (CIPA)) 47 C.F.R. § 54.520 (FCC rules implementing CIPA) Minn. Stat. § 121A.0695 (School Board Policy; Prohibiting Intimidation and Bullying) Minn. Stat. § 125B.15 (Internet Access for Students) Minn. Stat. § 125B.26 (Telecommunications/Internet Access Equity Act) Tinker v. Des Moines Indep. Cmty. Sch. Dist., 393 U.S. 503, 89 S.Ct. 733, 21 L.Ed.2d 731 (1969) United States v. Amer. Library Assoc., 539 U.S. 194, 123 S.Ct. 2297, 56 L.Ed.2d 221 (2003) Doninger v. Niehoff, 527 F.3d 41 (2nd Cir. 2008) Layshock v. Hermitage Sch. Dist., 412 F.Supp.2d 502 (W.D. Pa. 2006) M.T. v. Cent. York Sch. Dist., 937 A.2d 538 (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2007) J.S. v. Bethlehem Area Sch. Dist., 807 A.2d 847 (Pa. 2002)

Cross References: MSBA/MASA Model Policy 403 (Discipline, Suspension, and Dismissal

of School District Employees) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 406 (Public and Private Personnel Data) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 505 (Distribution of Nonschool-Sponsored Materials on School Premises by Students and Employees) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 506 (Student Discipline) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 515 (Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 519 (Interviews of Students by Outside


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Agencies) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 521 (Student Disability Nondiscrimination) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 522 (Student Sex Nondiscrimination) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 603 (Curriculum Development) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 604 (Instructional Curriculum) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 606 (Textbooks and Instructional Materials) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 806 (Crisis Management Policy) MSBA/MASA Model Policy 904 (Distribution of Materials on School District Property by Nonschool Persons)


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RIVER BEND EDUCATION DISTRICT 1315 S Broadway Street New Ulm, MN 56073

ph(507) 359-8700 fax (507) 359-1161

Permission to Publish Dear Parents. As part of your sons/daughters education program, (s)he will have the opportunity to publish documents and projects on the World Wide Web, the school newspaper or the local newspaper. These documents might include a personal home page, a story, or poem, a multimedia project, a science research project, a collaborative project with other students locally or internationally, or a picture with a caption. Individuals with Internet access around the world will be able to view and possibly respond to your child’s work by electronic mail. We think this is an exciting opportunity for our students. We will publish these documents only with your written permission. Please consider the following options, then sign and return this form to the River Bend ALC office. Thank you for your cooperation. River Bend ALC (TEAM/Imprints) Guidelines: Published documents may not include a child’s phone number, street address or box

number; Documents may not include any information which indicates the physical location

of a student at a given time other than attendance at a particular school or participation in school activities;

Documents may not contain objectionable material or point directly or indirectly to objectionable material;

Documents must conform to school board policies and established school guidelines;

All documents must be edited and approved by the referring teacher before publication.

Parent/Guardian Permission: I grant _____________________________________ permission to publish documents as described above including the following: (initial all the apply) ____________ Full Name ____________ Photograph Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________________ Date:____________


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RIVER BEND EDUCATION DISTRICT 1315 S Broadway Street New Ulm, MN 56073

ph(507) 359-8700 fax (507) 359-1161

Computer and Internet User Agreement Dear Parent(s): We are pleased to offer students of the River Bend Area Learning Center (TEAM/Imprints) access to the computer network and the Internet. To gain access to the Internet, all students under the age of 18 must obtain parental permission and must sign and return this form to the office, Students 18 and over may sign their own forms. Access to the Internet will enable students to explore millions of resources that will aid in their education. Families should be warned that some material accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offensive to some people. While our intent is to make Internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to access to the Internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed any disadvantages. But ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. To that end, the River Bend Education District support and respect each family’s right to decide whether or not to apply for access. District Internet Rules Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communications apply. The network is provided for students to conduct research and save documents. Access to network services is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Parent permission is required. Access is a privilege – not a right. Access entails responsibility Individual users of the computer network are responsible for their behavior. It is presumed that users will comply with district standards and will honor the agreements they have signed. Network storage areas may be treated like school lockers. Network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on the district servers will always be private. Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored. During school, teachers of younger students will them toward appropriate materials. Outside of


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school, families bear the same responsibility for such guidance as they exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, movies, radio, and other potentially offensive media. As outlined in Board policy and procedures on Student Access to Networked Information Resources, copies of which are available in school offices, the following are not permitted:

Web based email accounts Chat Music played on or from computer/Internet (Except as part of assigned work) Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures Using obscene language Harassing, insulting, or attacking others Damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks Violating copyright laws Using another’s password Trespassing in another’s folders, work or files Intentionally wasting limited resources (paper or ink) Employing the network for commercial purposes

Violations will result in a loss of access as well as other disciplinary or legal action. If you have questions:

- Contact Rashelle Weicherding, River Bend Technology Coordinator (507) 359-8703 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- User Agreement and Parent Permission Form As a user of the River Bend Education District computer network, I hereby agree to comply with the above stated rules – using the network in a reliable fashion while honoring all relevant laws and restrictions. Student Signature: _____________________________Grade: ______ Birth date: ____________ As the parent or legal guardian or the minor students signing above, I grant permission for my son or daughter to access networked computer services and the Internet. I understand that individuals and families may be held liable for violations. I understand that some materials on the Internet may be objectionable, but I accept responsibility for guidance of Internet use – setting and conveying standards for my daughter or son to follow when selecting, sharing, or exploring information and media. Parent Signature: __________________________________________ Date: _________________


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Adopted: 12/20/11 MSBA/MASA Model Policy 521 Orig. 1995 Revised: ________ Rev. 2008 521 STUDENT DISABILITY NONDISCRIMINATION [Note: School districts are required by statute to have a policy addressing these issues.]

I. PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to protect disabled students from discrimination on the basis of disability and to identify and evaluate learners who, within the intent of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), need special services, accommodations, or programs in order that such learners may receive a free appropriate public education.

II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY A. Disabled students who meet the criteria of Paragraph C below are protected

from discrimination on the basis of a disability. B. It is the responsibility of the school district to identify and evaluate learners

who, within the intent of Section 504, need special services, accommodations, or programs in order that such learners may receive a free appropriate public education.

C. For this policy, a learner who is protected under Section 504 is one who: 1. has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or

more of such person’s major life activities; or 2. has a record of such an impairment; or 3. is regarded as having such an impairment.

D. Learners may be protected from disability discrimination and be eligible for services, accommodations, or programs under the provisions of Section 504 even though they are not eligible for special education pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

III. COORDINATOR

Persons who have questions, comments, or complaints should contact Chris Bodick, Section 504 Coordinator, 1315 South Broadway Street New Ulm, MN 56073, 507-359-8780 regarding grievances or hearing requests regarding disability issues. This person is the school district’s Americans with Disabilities Act/Section 504 Coordinator.

Legal References: Pub. L. 110-325, 122 Stat. 3553 (ADA Amendments Act of 2008, § 7) 29 U.S.C. § 794 et seq. (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, § 504) 34 C.F.R. Part 104 (Implementing Regulations) Cross References: MSBA/MASA Model Policy 402 (Disability Nondiscrimination)


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Adopted: 2/28/12 MSBA/MASA Model Policy 402 Orig. 1995 Revised: ________ Rev. 2003 402 DISABILITY NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY [Note: School districts are required by statute to have a policy addressing these issues.]

I. PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to provide a fair employment setting for all persons and to comply with state and federal law.

II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY A. The school district shall not discriminate against qualified individuals with

disabilities because of the disabilities of such individuals in regard to job application procedures, hiring, advancement, discharge, compensation, job training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.

B. The school district shall not engage in contractual or other arrangements that have the effect of subjecting its qualified applicants or employees with disabilities to discrimination on the basis of disability. The school district shall not exclude or otherwise deny equal jobs or job benefits to a qualified individual because of the known disability of an individual with whom the qualified individual is known to have a relationship or association.

C. The school district shall make reasonable accommodations for the known

physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant or employee, unless the accommodation would impose undue hardship on the operation of the business of the school district.

D. Any job applicant or employee wishing to discuss the need for a reasonable

accommodation, or other matters related to a disability or the enforcement and application of this policy, should contact Chris Bodick, 504 Coordinator, 1315 South Broadway Street, New Ulm, MN 56073, 507-359-8780. This individual is the school districts appointed Section 504 Coordinator. Doug Hazen, Special Education Coordinator, 1315 South Broadway Street, New Ulm, 56073, 507-359-8746. This individual is the school districts appointed ADA Coordinator.

Legal References: 29 U.S.C. 794 et seq. (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, § 504) 42 U.S.C Ch. 126 § 12112 (Americans with Disabilities Act) 29 C.F.R. Part 32 34 C.F.R. Part 104 Cross References: MSBA/MASA Model Policy 521 (Student Disability

Nondiscrimination)